Melissa Paschuck, international student services coordinator at Coastal Carolina University, recently received the 2014 New Professional Award from the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers: Association of International Educators at the organization's regional conference in Jackson, Miss.

Paschuck, who has worked with the Office of International Programs and Services at CCU since 2012, was nominated for the award by colleagues in North and South Carolina for her enthusiasm and for increasing the visibility and involvement of Coastal's international student community both on and off campus.

During her two years in the position, Paschuck has also revised and improved the orientation process for international students that now includes a community service component, and she has broadened the range of activities in which international students are involved.

"Melissa has worked tirelessly to bring international students into our new program of Global Ambassadors and to make them feel at home at Coastal Carolina University," said Darla Domke-Damonte, associate provost for global initiatives. "She has also been involved in developing and leading or participating in more than 30 programs in cooperation with various departments on and off campus over the course of the past year that engaged international students."

Paschuck was also awarded CCU's premier customer service award, Feel the Teal, in spring 2014.

"She has delivered quality service and support to international students during their time at CCU, resulting in 100 percent satisfaction," according to Domke-Damonte.

Paschuck has been on the CCU staff since 2008; she was previously an interdisciplinary studies adviser and a first-year academic adviser. She earned a bachelor's degree from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and a master's degree in higher education administration and student personnel from Kent State University.